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ARTICLE · 22 OCTOBER 2026

Queensland Mining Reforms: Removing Duplication And Refining Objection Rights

Holding Redlich
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Queensland's proposed mining reforms aim to streamline environmental assessment by removing duplication between mining lease and environmental authority processes, while introducing discretionary Land Court referrals and refined objection rights. The Bill proposes significant changes to who may object to mining applications and on what grounds, potentially affecting mining entities, landholders, and community stakeholders across the state.

AustraliaEnergy and Natural Resources
Wendy Evans
Wendy Evans
Nicole Besgrove
Nicole Besgrove
Madeleine McClintock
Madeleine McClintock
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On 15 September 2026, the Queensland Government introduced the Mineral Resources and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026 (Bill) into Parliament. The Bill proposes significant reforms to streamline mining lease and environmental authority assessment processes, while maintaining opportunities for community participation and environmental assessment under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act).

The proposed reforms seek to better align the Mineral Resources Act 1989 (MR Act) and the EP Act by:

  • removing duplicated environmental assessment requirements from the mining lease process
  • integrating environmental authority and progressive rehabilitation and closure plan (PRCP) schedule assessment and decision-making

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This publication does not deal with every important topic or change in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you have found this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances please contact one of the named individuals listed.

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